The Bermuda Public Service Union (BPSU) has become the first trade union in the western hemisphere to be accredited by the internationally recognised business standard group Investors in People (IIP).The BPSU hosted a presentation at noon in its Angle Street headquarters, attended by Premier Paula Cox and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Kim Wilson, as well as IIP advisor Eric Jenkinson and Government coordinator Jocene Wade.IIP is a UK-based business improvement body. No organisation in Bermuda is awarded its standard without the group's third party assessment. It is considered a mark of an organisation's commitment to efficiency and improved performance. It is also available in the Caribbean.BPSU general secretary Edward Ball said that achieving the IIP standard was “an excellent business tool to enhance our competitive standing in the global economy” and recommended other businesses to follow the union's example: “The IIP business model will make the difference.”Mr Jenkinson, who launched the programme in Bermuda in 1996, said the designation is now held by 21 other businesses in Bermuda.It has taken the BPSU 15 months of assessment to earn the award.The BPSU was awarded a plaque good from July 13, 2010 until July, 2013, when the union will undergo its next assessment by the group.